Portable scaffold



June 5, 1934- RQ E. GoRANsoN PORTABLE SCAFFOLD 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 25, 1952 m r-C ATTQRNEYJ Patented June 5, 1934 PATENTl OFFICE PORTABLE SCAFFOLD Robert E. Goranson,

Application March 25,

5 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in portable scaiolds, and more particularly to a collapsible scaffold which may readily and quickly be set up on the job, and may as readily be taken down when the work has been completed. t

An object of the invention is to provide a portable scaifold comprising a plurality of uprights, each composed of a plurality. of telescoping tubular sections adjustably secured together, whereby the overall height of the scaffold may readily be adjusted, and means being provided upon said uprights for supporting a plurality of stringers adapted to support a plurality of planks or boards adapted to form a platform for the workmen to work on.

A further object is to' provide a scaffoldvcomprising a plurality of suitable uprights adapted for longitudinal adjustment, whereby the overall height of the scaffold may be varied, and a crownpiece being secured to the upper end of each upright and each having an opening therein, which openings are adapted to receive suitable stringers extending from upright to upright, and said crown-pieces also having bifurcated end portions adapted to receive other stringers arranged in angular relation to said first mentioned stringers, whereby a rectangular supporting structure may be provided adapted to support the usual planks or boards for supporting the workmen, and suitable brace members being provided between the stringers and said uprights to brace the structure.

Other -objects of the invention reside in the novel construction of the crown-pieces provided at the upper end of each upright; in the means provided upon the uprights for adjustably securing the lower ends of the braces thereto, and also in the means provided for detachably and adjustably securing the upperends of the braces to the stringers; in the means adapted to be adjustably secured to intermediate portions of the uprights for supporting other stringers which cooperate to brace the structure, and also to provide means for supporting other planks or boards whereby a series of superimposed platforms or scaffolds may be provided for the workmen; and, in the novel constructions of all of the parts for securing the stringers to the uprights, and also in the telescoping arrangement of the uprights, whereby the height of the scaffold may be quickly adjusted from one elevation to another in a comparatively short period of time, as compared to structures of this general nature now in common use, and also whereby the scaffold may be extended to a considerable height, whereby it readily lends itself South St. Paul,

1932, Serial No. 601,191

for use in public buildings such as churches, schools, and auditoriums, to provide a suitable scaffold for workmen or decorators working upon the upper portion or ceiling of the building, the construction of the scatold also being such as to 50 permit it to be moved about from place to place upon the door of the building without dismantling it. i

The particular object of the invention therefore, is to provide an improved portable, collapsible scaifold, which may be quickly set up and taken down in a comparatively short period of time and which, when set up, provides a very rigid and sturdy structure.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description and accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in the annexed claims.

In the accompanying drawings, there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the 'invention is not confined to the exact features shown as various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings: e

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the scaffold set up and comprising two platforms arranged at diiferent elevations;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view through one of the uprights to show the general construction thereof ;l

Figure 3 is anenlarged detail sectional view on the line 3-3 ofl Figure 2, showing the general construction of one of the crown-pieces;

1 Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional plan view on 90 the line 4 4 of Figure 2, showing the means for supporting the stringers upon intermediate portions of the uprights;

Figure is a sectional plan view on the line 5-5 of Figure 7, showing the means for adjust- 95 ably securing the lower ends of the braces to the uprights;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view on the line 6 6 of Figure 7, showing the means for adjustably securing the upper ends of the braces to the stringers; and

Figure 7 is a view showing the scaffold provided at one side with an extension,

The novel scaffold featured in this invention comprises a plurality of uprights 2, each composed of a series of tubular sections 3, 4, and 5, as best shown in Figure 2. The upper section 5 of each upright telescopes with its complemental section 4, and the lower section 3 is preferably provided with a suitable base member or kfoot 6. The tubular sections 3 and 4 of each upright are preferably of the same diameter, and are detachably secured together by means of a suitable plug 7, which may be suitably secured to the lower end of the tubular member 4, and is adapted to be received in the upper end of the member 3, as shown in Figure 2. The outer diameter of the upper sections 5 corresponds substantially to the inner diameter of the sections 4, so that they may be received therein, as shown. The upper end portions of the sections 4 are shown provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 8 adapted to receive supporting pins 9, received in apertures 11 provided in the lower end portions of the upper tubular sections 5. The pin 9 provides means for adjustably securing the sections 5 to the sections 4.

An important feature of this invention resides in the means provided at thc upper ends of the uprights for securing the usual stringers thereto, upon which the usual planks or boards are supported, which form the platform of the scaffold. Such means comprises a plurality of crown-pieces 12, one for each upright. As these crown-pieces are alike in construction, it will be necessary to describe but one in detail.

Each crown-piece 12, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, comprises a body portion 13 having a rectangular opening 14 therein of a suitable size to receive a Stringer 15, of ordinary size and construction such, for example, as a 2 by 6. `A recess 16 is provided in one wall of the body portion 13 adapted to receive a clamping plate 17, to which is connected one end of a clamping screw 18, which is received in threaded engagement with the wall of the body portion 13, as best shown in Figure 3. The screw 18 is provided with a suitable T-shaped head 19, whereby it may be conveniently rotated to cause the plate 17 to clampingly engage the Stringer 15 and secure it in the opening 14. The Stringer is secured to the section 5 of the upright by means of a cylindrical extension 21, provided upon the lower portion of the body portion 13, and receivable in the upper end of the section 5, as shown. The extension 21 is secured to the section 5 by suitable means such as a pin 22.

The body portion 13 is provided at its upper portion with suitable bifurcations 23 and 24, spaced apart as shown in Figure 2, and adapted to receive stringers 25 therebetween. A clamping plate 26 is shown mounted in a recess 27 provided in the bifurcation 23 and has a suitable clamping screw 28 connected therewith, whereby the plate 26 may be moved into clamping engagement with one of the stringers 25 to suitably secure the stringers between tlg bifurcations 23 and 24.`

Means is provided for b`racing the stringers to the uprights and, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, consists of a plurality of suitable braces 29 having their upper ends pivotally connected to forked brackets 31 by suitable bolts or pivots 32. The brackets 31 are adapted to engage the stringers 15 and 25 in the manner shown in Figure 6, and are adjustably and removably secured thereto by suitable clamping plates 33, received in recesses 34 and adapted to be actuated by suitable clamping screws 35. y

Another important feature of the invention resides in the means provided for adjustably connecting the lower ends of the brace members 29 to the uprights 2. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the means provided for thus adjustably connecting the lower ends of the brace members to the uprights, consists of a plurality of annular members 36, each provided with a bore 37 adapted -to receive one of the lower sections 3 or 4 of the uprights. Each annular member 36 is provided with a suitable clamping plate 38 mounted in a recess 39 provided in the Wall thereof and adapted to beoperated by a suitable clamping screw 41, whereby the members 36 may be rigidly secured to the uprights by manipulation of the screws 41, and are adapted for vertical adjustment thereon. Each annular member 36 is also shown provided with a plurality of ears 42, preferably arranged in right angular relation, and each having an aperture 43. These apertures are adapted to receive suitable hooks 44 provided upon the lower ends of the brace members 29.

To secure the brace members to the uprights and stringers, the annular members 36 may first be properly positioned upon and secured to their respective uprights, after which the hooks 44 of the braces 29 are attached thereto, when the brace members are held in substantially the position indicated in dotted lines in Figure 7. The outer ends of the braces are then swung upwardly and the forked brackets 31 secured to the stringers, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, whereby the hooks 44 of the braces cannot become detachedfrom the annular members 36, and whereby the structure will be rigidly braced so as to provide a very substantial and rugged structure. In Figure 7, the scaiold is shown provided with one platform, while in Figure 2, it is shown extended to provide two platforms arranged at different elevations.

When two or more platforms are provided and arranged at different elevations, a series of brackets 45 are secured to intermediate portions of the uprights 2, as shown in Figure 2. Each bracket 45 has a portion 46 provided with a suitable bore 47 adapted to receive one of the intermediate sections of the uprights, as best shown in Figure 4. Clamping plates 48 are provided in the portions 46 of the brackets 45 adapted to be operated by suitable screws 49, whereby the brackets may be securely xed to their'respective upright, as shown in Figure 2. Each bracket 45 is shown provided with spaced apart walls 51 and 52 between which a pair of stringers 50 may be supported, as shown in Figure 2. The stringers 50 are secured in position between the walls 51 and 52 of the brackets 45, by means of clamping plates 53, operable by screws 54, as clearly-shown in Figure 4. When a plurality of stringers 50 are v When two or more platforms are to be used,

additional sections 4 are inserted in the uprights 2 so as to elevate the upper portion of the scaffold to the proper height, and the usual planks B are then positioned upon the stringers x at the upper portion of the scaffold, as shown in Figure 1, -to provide a suitable platform adapted to support the workman.

By reference to the drawings, it will be noted that all of the crown-pieces are alike `in con- 1 struction and, in like manner, all \of the annular members 36 are of like construction.. 4It will also be noted that all of the brackets 45 are alike in construction, and that the forked brackets 31 are 0f like construction. By thus duplicating the parts, the construction of the apparatus is greatly simplified, with a resultant decrease in the cost of manufacture. The parts are so constructed that the scaiold may be quickly set up lto almost any desired height and length, and when completed, provides a very rigid and sturdy structure which may be moved about as a unit, when necessary, without dismantling. It will also be noted that no nailing is required in the construction of the scaffold. All of the stringers forming a part of the vstructure are secured in position by suitable clamping means, whereby said stringers may be used over and over for a long time without replacement.

In Figure 7, the scaffold is shown provided at one side with an extension indicated generally by the letter C. The extension C is constructed of parts similar to those used in the construction of the main portion of the scaffold, and therefore does not require any special parts.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a portable scaffold, a plurality of tubular uprights, hangerssecured to said uprights and mounted for vertical and rotary adjustment thereon and each having a seat therein adapted to support a stringer, an annular member on each upright below the hanger secured thereto having means for securing it to the upright in adjusted position, said member having a plurality of apertures therein whose axes are vertical'y disposed, a brace member having a. forked clamping element at one end adapted togembrace a stringer supported in said hangers whereby it'may be detachably secured thereto, and a downwardly curved hook at the opposite end of said brace member adapted to be received in one of the apertures in said annular member, said hook being locked against detachment from said annular member when the opposite' end of the brace member is secured to a stringer disposed at an elevation above said annular member.

2. In a portable scaffold, a plurality of uprights, each comprising telescoping members, hangers secured to said uprights and mounted for vertical and rotary adjustment thereon and each having a seat thereinadapted to support a stringer, an annular member on each upright having means for frictionafly securing it thereto in adjusted position, said member having a plurality of apertures therein whose axes are vertically disposed, a one piece brace member having a clamping element at one end whereby it may be adjustably secured to a stringer supported in said hangers, and a downwardly turned hook at the opposite end of said brace member adapted to be received in oneof the apertures in said annular member, said hook being so shaped that when interlocked with said annular member, it cannot become detached therefrom unless the upper end of the brace member is detached from the stringer and swung to a lower position.

3. In a portable scaffo`d, a plurality of tubular luprights, each comprising a series of sections ,whereby the scaffold may be vertically adjusted to any desired height, hangers having bores therein adapted to receive said uprights and whereby they are adapted for vertical and rotary movemember adjustably mounted upon each upright and each comprising a clamping element for frictionally securing it in adjusted position upon its respective upright, each annular member having a plurality of apertures therein spaced equidistant apart, a brace member having a forked clamping element pivotallyconnectedto one end thereof adapted to be secured to a stringer to thereby pivotally connect the brace member to the stringer, and a downwardly turned hook at the opposite end of the brace member looselyreceived in one of the apertures in said annular member, said hook being lso shaped that the brace member must be supported in substantially a horizontal position before the hook can be inserted into or removed from said aperture, whereby when the brace member is tilted to an inclined position and secured to the stringer, the hook cannot become detached from said annular member.

4. In a portable scaffold, a plurality of uprights, each comprising telescoping members, a plurality of hangers detachably secured to said uprights and adapted for vertical and rotary adjustments thereon, each hanger comprising spaced forks between which one or more stringers may be supported, clamping means for securing the stringers to said hangers, an' annular member adjustably mounted upon each upright below the hanger secured thereto and each comprising a clamping element for frictionally securing it in adjusted position upon its respective upright, each of said annular member having a plurality of apertures therein spaced equidistant apart and whose axes are substantially vertically disposed, a brace member having a forked member pivotally connected to one end thereof and adapted to be fitted over one edge of a stringer, means whereby said forked member may be secured to the stringer, and a downwardly curved hook at the opposite end of the brace member adapted to be I received in one of the apertures in said annular member, said hook requiring that the brace member be supported in substantially a horizontal position before it can be inserted into or removed from said aperture whereby, when the brace member is tilted to an inclined position and secured to a stringer, the hook cannot become detached from said annular member.

5. In a portable scafiod, a plurality of uprights, each comprising telescoping members, a plurality of hangers secured to said uprights and mounted for vertical and rotary adjustment thereon and each adapted to support one end of a stringer, an annular member on each upright below the hanger secured thereto having means for secur- I ingit to the upright in adjusted position, said member having a plurality of apertures therein whose axes are substantially vertically disposed, a brace member having a clamping element pivoted to one end thereof and wherebyit may be adjustably secured to a stringer, a curved hook at the opposite end of said brace member adapted to be inserted through one of the apertures in said annular member from the upper .side thereof, whereby said nook cannot be detached from said annuar member when the opposite end of the brace member is secured to the stringer, and means detachably secured` to the upper ends of said uprights adapted to receive and support a purality of stringers disposed in angular relation. 1

ROBERT E. GORANSON. 

